Feature

Fibre Eggs for Eastertide

Nancy JirtleFibre workers have long enjoyed the custom of making ornaments for the Christmas tree. Easter eggs in fibre, however, are a more recent development. As the most sacred of Christian holidays (i.e. "holy days"), Easter is observed with solemnity, reflection, and joy. Home decorations are usually simple in style and scope. These often include a basket or open dish filled with eggs as a symbol of new life.

Fibre Easter eggs look lovely in these baskets or bowls. If ribbons are added to fibre Easter eggs, the eggs can be displayed attractively on a tabletop egg tree.

Designs may include the Easter motifs of crosses, Easter lilies, lambs, chicks, and rabbits. Spring flower patterns also look beautiful on fibre eggs. Designs may be worked in counted cross stitch or needlepoint as focal points on the background evenweave fabric or in several bands from the top of the egg to its base. It is also possible to use many other needlework techniques to create Easter eggs from yarns (e.g. knitting and crocheting) or from fabrics (e.g. sewing or quilting). CyberFibres found a lovely smocked Easter egg at a crafts fair. see Review and Advice for more ideas